Best Children's Books and Movies

Best Sports & Outdoors Books for Teen & Young Adults

Here are the top 30 sports & outdoors books for teen & young adults. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Local Library to reset it.

For many visitors, Beatrix Potter is the most interesting of the Lake District writers. The fact that so many of her stories have clear Lake District locations provides the basis for this book of short easy walks. Follow the adventures of Jeremy Fisher, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Peter Rabbit and many others, actually walking in their footsteps and visiting their lakes and rivers, their houses and gardens. The 15 walks included in this book are all suitable for young and not-so-young walkers. All have direct connections either to Beatrix Potter stories or to her life as a farmer and conservationist. There are maps, illustrations and clear directions plus parking and refreshment suggestions.

North America’s most popular sports almanac returns with new facts, new records, and more fun than ever before. Like its hugely successful predecessors, this new volume combines essays from great sportswriters and top ESPN personalities, easily accessed facts, in-depth statistics from ESPN’s Inside the Numbers team, hundreds of photographs, and thousands of charts and tables. It reviews the year’s top ten highlights of each sport, reflects every notable change in the sports world over the past year, and gives a full recap of the World Series and major competitions for professional and amateur alike. With more than 950 fact-filled pages, this extraordinary fusion between two trusted sports resources is as entertaining as it is informative. It’s the perfect gift for the sports fan who always knows the latest scores and can never have enough information.

If one book could settle every heated sports argument, this would be it. From record holders to champions, auto racing to the Iditarod, ballparks, business news, and Who’s Who to the dearly departed athletes of the year past, the ESPN Sports Almanac serves up so much vital information at such a rapid clip: hundreds of photos, thousands of tables, countless facts and figures, plus expert analysis from ESPN’s most popular personalities (Chris Berman, Dan Patrick, Linda Cohn, Stuart Scott, Dick Vitale et al.). Add input from the fans via ESPN.com’s polls and ESPN’s unique brand of humor and it’s easy to see why the ESPN Sports Almanac is No. 1 in the game.

The most-recognized name in sports, ESPN reaches over 175 million households in over 160 countries worldwide. The power of the television network, the radio stations, ESPN.com, and the magazine will be used to promote the Almanac.

After accelerating their studies and graduating high school early, two teenagers set off from their hometown in Minnesota to embark on a 2200-mile canoe journey up the heart of North America. Their destination: the permafrost shores of Hudson Bay. Inspired by a passion for the simple life, where gadgets and schedules are replaced by nature and its harsh beauty, the duo found something that many believe is lost: a true adventure.

Follow the pair up the flooding Minnesota River and through the prairie plains of North Dakota, across man-sized waves on Lake Winnipeg, and down the foaming rapids of the Canadian north. The triumphs and trials of the unforgiving wild challenged their friendship, dreams, and lives in a way that even they could have never predicted. For those who have dreamt of wilderness escape, or those who prefer to simply read about it, Adventure North will spur the imaginative spirit and remind you that adventure is always just around the next bend.

An illustrated self-portrait is a collection of personal and professional anecdotes that recount many of the golf icon’s experiences in an accessible manner, in a volume complemented by 12 removable facsimiles of such personal items as a tip card on how to work around various golf challenges, and more.

We’ve got spirit. Yes we do!And that’s not all they’ve got. How about those pleated skirts. Those matching sweaters. The pom-poms, megaphones, and spirit sticks — cheerleaders really do have it all. And here to prove it is Cheerleader, a peppy tribute to the glory and pageantry of cheerleading. Positively packed with all things cheer-related, Cheerleader harks back to the days when entire communities swarmed the stands to witness the game-day spectacle with cheerleaders at the forefront — pinnacles of perk and poise. Featuring over 100 vintage images, chapters on cheerleading’s history, fashion, and cult status, and sections on boy cheerleaders, mascots, and majorettes, this colorful compendium shows that school spirit will always be at the height of fashion. Ready? Okay!

M.P. MacDougall is the youngest of twelve kids. He grew up surrounded by obnoxious cows, Big Meanies, perilous expeditions, ravenous Sasquatches, mindless herds of picnickers, and meals that would make Julia Child roll over in her grave. His only means to survive it all was to assume a powerful alter-ego: Jet Screamer!

In Beyond Championships Teen Edition, Coach Dru Joyce lays out the steps teens can follow to become winners on and off the court. Much more than a sports book, Beyond ChampionshipsTeen Edition is a blueprint for anyone looking to make better choices and reach their full potential. The book speaks to athletes aspiring to emulate LeBron’s success, as well as anyone who feels either uninspired or unable to change the direction of their lives.

In less than ten years, Coach Dru went from someone resigned to a dull-yet-stable existence to one of the highest profile basketball coaches in the country, despite having virtually no background in the sport. It was an incredible transformation, the type most people only dream of, but one Coach Dru proved can become a reality with the right combination of faith and hard work.

Beyond Championships Teen Edition focuses on the nine principles Coach Dru promotes to his players and tries to live his own life. While these principles act as the foundation on which Coach Dru has built so many successful basketball teams, their universality ensures that they can be applied to any situation.

This text covers every aspect of the golf, from pre-swing to putting. It looks at trouble play, faults and cures – with a specific section devoted to sand play – as well as the mental side of the game and less conventional approaches.

Shane Martinelli and William Houghton come from very different backgrounds. They meet at a high-end summer camp in the Adirondacks, where Shane works as a lifeguard to earn some money and begin saving for college. William is one of the guests, and he doesn’t want to be there. As far as William knows, his father only dumped him at the camp so he could spend time with his latest mistress. When Shane figures out William can’t swim, he offers to teach him. William enthusiastically responds, but when an unexpected storm blows in, William is caught in the water and Shane comes to his rescue. They barely reach shore before lightning strikes the dock—close enough to damage Shane’s hearing.

The following summer both boys return to the camp. Shane doesn’t let his use of hearing aids stand in his way. William is now a counselor-in-training. The attraction between them is undeniable, but how can they possibly make it work? Once camp is over, a week at William’s family home in the Hamptons will determine if the love that bloomed at the lake can survive in the real world.

Browning .30-caliber machine guns saw US Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force service in World War I & II, Korea, and Vietnam, and are still occasionally found in use elsewhere even today. Produced in both water-cooled and air-cooled versions, it has been employed in every imaginable role for a machine gun – antipersonnel, antiaircraft, mounted on aircraft as both defensive and offensive armament, defensive armament aboard vehicles (armored and soft-skin), mounted on watercraft, and others.

The .30-caliber story began in World War I, as legendary US weapon-designer John M. Browning strove to develop a belt-fed, water-cooled heavy machine gun to provide infantry support. Significantly lighter than the British Vickers and the German MG 08, the hard-wearing Browning M1917 was among the best in its class; as the M1917A1 it served through World War II and the Korean War, and was only retired in the late 1950s as evolving infantry tactics demanded lighter, more mobile support weapons.

Initially developed as a tank machine gun in World War I, the M1919 air-cooled version saw lengthy service with the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force – as well as the armed forces of other nations – in an enormous variety of roles and environments. World War I had demonstrated that infantry-support machine guns had to be light enough to be hand-carried over rough terrain; the M1919’s air-cooled operation made this possible. The commonest version, the M1919A4, was widely employed throughout World War II, Korea, and beyond, while M1919 variants were used as the secondary armament for all US tanks in World War II and on some types of US aircraft and watercraft well into the 1960s. The ‘thirty’ set such a high standard in reliability that it became the benchmark against which all subsequent weapons have been judged.

Employing gripping first-hand testimony and featuring specially commissioned illustrations and detailed photographs, many in color, this lively study of the Browning .30-caliber machine gun reveals the origins, combat history and legacy of this versatile and dependable weapon.

Longtime readers of Golf Magazine know that the Private Lessons feature is the place to go for tips, tricks, and instructions that will get even the lowliest duffer swinging like a pro. Now the magazine’s editors have compiled the best of these lessons into one indispensable volume. Easy-to-follow instructions, accompanied by more than 750 full-color illustrations, illuminate every aspect of the game, from approaching the tee to hitting out of trouble to improving a suspect short game. Best of all, this is the rare instructional golf book that anyone can use; women, seniors, and high and low handicappers alike will benefit from having golf’s eternal verities broken down into readily digestible bites. It’s the perfect gift for the links lover, and just in time for Father’s Day.

In this, the second installment in the How to Steer Your Kid series, M. P. MacDougall returns with a cast of irreverent characters and hilarious, only slightly embellished stories. There’s something for everyone who ever grew up in a somewhat weird family. MacDougall relates a variety of slapstick adventures – from taxidermy gone horribly wrong, to near-drownings while encased in a sleeping bag, to being hunted by a mythical monster with a sadistic sense of humor. Redneck neighbors and red-hot peppers are no match for the erstwhile Jet Screamer. Suffering personal injury to his extremities and personal insults to his psyche, MacDougall survives it all with a steady diet of Meat Sandwiches – his self-proclaimed Food for REAL Men.

In its heyday–from 1904-1942–Charles M. Conlon photographed the entire world of baseball. From an almost forgotten legacy of 8,000 negatives, the authors combine more than 200 action shots of star players such as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, umpires, coaches, and fans along with evocative stories and trivia to portray the glory of the sport and the era.

Forget the foie gras and the wine.Were talking about authentic, stick-to-your-ribs football food. Sizzling bratwurst grilled to perfection, the way they like em in Wisconsin. Steamy pots of spicy Texas chili and hearty Louisiana gumbo. Maybe some Peanut Butter Buckeyes or a slice of Commodore Chess Pie. All washed down, of course, with one of those great cocktails that Florida and Georgia fans mix up so well.

Sound tempting Well, dig in to ESPN GameDay Gourmet, a one-stop source for expert advice on the ultimate tailgate party. Inside youll find more than 80 easy-to-follow recipes from the nation’s most hallowed college football meccas, a rich mix of history and tradition, helpful cooking tips, and fun food facts, served with a double dollop of ESPN humor. With an introduction by Mike Golic and contributions from the ESPN College Gameday crew (Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso), ESPN GameDay Gourmet is the perfect playbook for every autumn Saturday and a foolproof way to jump-start your taste buds for the many showdowns ahead.

The Hunters Creed is a primer for young and new hunters and fishermen to learn basic ethics in the art of hunting and fishing. This information is not new, but rather passed on from Elders over many years of living off the land. Every novice should know and use this information. It will increase their success. The bonus information in this book, ” Survival Concepts ” may not only save your life in a wilderness situation, but will also help you survive problems in everyday life. The “Survival Concepts” are based on psychological and philosophical knowledge that has helped many individuals live through all types of emergencies such as natural disasters, and unexpected changes and challenges in their life.

The trout fly is both a tool for catching fish and an object of exquisite beauty. Newly reissued in a handsome hardcover edition, The Art of the Trout Fl captures the blending of art and function in these amazing constructions of fur, feather, fiber, and thread. Forty-three international masters of flytying share the secrets of their craft in wise and witty personal essays, each accompanied by a gorgeously rendered photograph of their most distinctive creations, as well as a list of the materials used to bring the flies to life. Also included is an illuminating introduction discussing the contributions of the flytyers to fly design, and exploring why tyers the world over are so fascinated by the craft. A justly celebrated classic, The Art of the Trout Fly is an excellent introduction to flytying for the novice and a valuable source of information and inspiration for the experienced fly-fisher.

Meet Crimp, the star of Crimp! On-By!!, as he tells you his fascinating life story, from the puppyhood accident which defined his life and gave him his name, all the way through to the 2008 Iditarod. Crimp is a happy soul who s taken in stride all the challenges life has thrown his way, and come out with his tail still waggin’! All he wants to do is GO! Crimp s inspiring story details what can happen when you don t take no for an answer. When you put your mind to doing what you know you were born to do. And what can be accomplished even when you re not perfect, and even when things don t always go your way. The book is arranged both as a compelling story for youngsters and adults alike as well as a reference for information on sled dogs and the Iditarod. Sidebars provide detailed information which augment the story and provide additional context. Crimp! On-By!! can be utilized to increase 3rd 5th grade reading skills as well as develop understanding of sled dog heritage. Crimp chose “Crimp! On-By!!” as his title since that is his very favorite command…”on-by” means keep on doing what you re doing, no matter what!

What do chickens, fake converse, and Jello Shots share in common? ‘I Love Love Walla Walla’ is a collection of sweet, humorous essays. Join the fun cast of characters as they celebrate life, love, food, and family in a small Washington town.Featuring cheerful accounts of dogs, camping, and grave diggers, these stories will leave you both wistful and lighthearted. A delightful read!

Rock climbing has been growing in popularity since the 1930s, and it’s no wonder. This exciting activity lets you spend time in the outdoors while challenging yourself both physically and mentally and bonding with friends and family. With the increasing availability of a variety of climbing venues, including indoor climbing gyms, it’s easier than ever to try rock climbing. Rock Climbing is the perfect book for anyone who wants to develop the skills.

Rock Climbing will help you explore one of the world’s fastest-growing activities safely and successfully. The experts at the Wilderness Education Association ensure you learn proper technique, which is essential to a safe and enjoyable experience. They prepare you for your adventure with information on fitness and conditioning, equipment and gear selection, and nutrition. Safety skills are integrated throughout the book. You’ll learn how you can use indoor climbing to practice basic skills before moving on to refine and build on those skills in the outdoors. You’ll find easy-to-follow instruction of climbing fundamentals, including knots, belaying, building anchor systems, moving on rock, descending, and lead climbing, giving you all the skills and knowledge you need to be a capable beginning climber.

Throughout the book the authors share consumer, technique, and safety tips collected from their years of experience as both climbers and instructors. They also list Web sites to help you find climbing organizations, shop for equipment and gear, plan outdoor climbing trips, and more. The book also includes Success Check questions for each chapter that will help you test your climbing knowledge.

Use Rock Climbing to join the millions of other climbing enthusiasts around the world. This complete resource will teach you all the essential information for a successful rock climbing adventure!

Rock Climbing is part of the Outdoor Adventures series. This practical series provides you with the essential information so you can get ready and go. The Outdoor Adventures series prepares you with instruction in the basic techniques and skills so you can be on your way to an adventure in no time.

Amaze your friends with these fun, easy magic tricks. Step-by-step instructions teach astounding tricks like how to make a coin disappear, restore a cut rope, and read minds! Clear photos of each trick will have your audience stumped faster than you can say abracadabra!

“I couldn’t out it down! So I think Elena Dillon needs to stop writing books that keep me up all night! Ok, not really, please, please, don’t stop writing! I am totally in love with all these characters, I can’t get enough of them!”

“This book was amazing…suspenseful with a romantic flare with just the right amount of familial hi jinx. I couldn’t put the book down. Read it within a day on downloading. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the Breathe series. I am thrilled to have discovered another gifted writer to entertain and thrill me.

“Another unputdownable romantic suspense book in the Breathe series! Elena Dillon has s true talent for weaving a wonderfully clean yet suspenseful romance that will keep you mesmerized from the first word to the last.”————————————-The third installment of the Breathe Series is a novella that takes place just months after “Shimmer” ends. All your favorite characters return for a Thanksgiving weekend that is not at all what they had planned. Instead of a quiet relaxing four days off, Jasmine finds herself once again having to make choices between what she thinks is right and what everyone else thinks is safe.

In the last four years, since her kidnapping, Jasmine Rourke has been attempting to live a quiet, normal life under the radar. She graduated from high school, lives on campus at University of Louisiana Lafayette and is enjoying the college life with her “Dream Guy” boyfriend, Easton Ward.

But for the Rourke family a peaceful life just isn’t in the cards. Only months after her brother’s terrifying run in with a mob gunrunner, the events of Thanksgiving weekend will change the course of their lives forever and it will all start with the ringing of a doorbell…_________________The Breathe Series:

Gone PrequelBreathe Book OneShimmer Book TwoExhale Book Three

———————————Author Bio

Author, Elena Dillon, is the winner of the Weta Nichols Writing Award for Young Adult, the InD’tale RONE award for Young Adult and a finalist in the Book Buyers Best. She writes sweet teenage romance with sass, suspense and swoon.

She has never lived anywhere besides California, which is probably a good thing since she hates being cold and is terrified to drive in the snow.

She loves being a wife and a mother to her three kids and English bulldog, Brutus.A self-proclaimed nerd, she spends her days writing and catering to Brutus since he considers her “the help”.

Full-color photos. From baseball and football to archery and squash, “ancient and modern equipment, rules, and history are highlighted in Sports, an all-star winner for enthusiasts of the two dozen varieties covered through the sophisticated photo essay format. Featuring spectacular close-up photographs, this is an ideal attention grabber for reluctant readers and young teens.”–(starred) Booklist.